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Flying through DIA security

Clear Registered Traveler program lands this week

By Chris Walsh, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published January 29, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Updated January 29, 2008 at 8:38 a.m.

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Members of a new program at Denver International Airport will be able to breeze through security checkpoints starting this week.

The Clear Registered Traveler program, operated by Verified Identity Pass, officially launches Wednesday morning at DIA with a demonstration by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.

Steven Brill, chief executive officer of Verified Identity Pass, said that Denver has been one of its strongest cities in terms of initial demand. Clear has signed up nearly 2,500 members in the Denver area and hopes to have 50,000 by the end of its first year here.

"We're overwhelmed by the response," Brill said Monday. "Let's see, it's 10:43 a.m. and we've already had about 75 people sign up today. We'll have well over 200 more today at this rate."

The program helps frequent fliers get through airport security faster and with fewer hassles. Travelers who want to join must visit a local enrollment center to submit fingerprints, iris photos and personal information, and all applications are reviewed by federal security officials. If accepted, members receive a high-tech card that allows them to access separate security lines specifically for registered travelers.

One of the main benefits of the program is that it "adds predictability to travelers' itineraries," said DIA spokesman Jeff Green.

Members, for instance, will know they can get through security in minutes even during busy travel times.

The Clear program costs $128 annually, and members can use their cards at any airport that participates in a Registered Traveler program - even if it's operated by a different company.

Fliers must still pass through the standard airport security checks, such as sending their bags through the X-ray machine, taking off their shoes and passing through metal detectors.

More than a dozen airports across the country, including major ones in New York City, Orlando, Fla., and San Francisco, participate in the program.

DIA will take in about 12 percent of the revenue the program generates, which the airport expects will translate into more than $3 million during the next five years.

Clear has enrollment stations at the Hyatt hotels downtown and in the Tech Center as well as at DIA.

The company says it will work with DIA and the Transportation Security Administration to add more Registered Traveler lanes if needed.

walshc@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2744

Comments

  • January 28, 2008

    12:30 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    JustSayin writes:

    Plenty of sheep will be ready to give the authorities whatever they want in order to save a few minutes. Remember, if you haven't done anything wrong, then there's no problem signing up to get your papers. The rest of you - just wear a yellow star and get in line.

  • January 28, 2008

    12:53 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    aeb1barfo writes:

    Well, we have finally separated into a CLASS based society.

    If you have MONEY, you are now members of the UPPER CLASS.

    I though part of the creation of the United States of America was to remove such class distinctions.

    Now we have HOT lanes ( AKA Lexus Lanes )....Special GOVERNMENT ( NOT PRIVATE, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE )treatment for those who can pay.

    I reiterate; Traveling here is no better than traveling in RUSSIA in the 1960's....only the KGB is called the TSA today...

    Think people, is this what " We the People " really want?

    The statement " We the People " has been perverted......in an Orwellian fashion....

  • January 28, 2008

    1:03 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    joggle writes:

    It really comes down to a matter of trust. After reading their FAQ (http://www.flyclear.com/help/faq_join...), it looks like the only new piece of info you are giving to the government is your iris scan and possibly your previous addresses (although this could probably be deduced from your prior tax returns). If you have a passport and driver's license it looks like it's an easy process to get one of these 'Verified Identity Passes' for $100 per year. So the main problem people will have with this is surely the cost since iris scans aren't used for anything other than identification by security cameras--in theory--as far as I know (ie, they aren't used for opening a bank account, criminal evidence, etc.).

    This is definitely a far cry away from the ridiculous process that anyone must go through to get security clearance from the federal government for a federal job or contractor (especially ones that require higher level security clearences--they really do get rather Orwellian in scope and secrecy). I still won't be joining this program because $100 per year is way too much just to save a few minutes every few months. If it speeds up the security-clearing process as much as it claims then I'm sure many frequent fliers will sign up for it. I'm not sure I would label them sheep though because trust is a necessary part of living in a modern society and it's nearly impossible to do anything without handing out personal info (just ask someone who has a terrible credit history).

    If you're worried about the 'yellow star' then the government already has more than enough info on any of us to completely screw you over if they turned Orwellian/evil. That bridge was crossed long ago, probably before I was even born in '79.

  • January 28, 2008

    1:30 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    joggle writes:

    "I though part of the creation of the United States of America was to remove such class distinctions."

    I wish. No, the Constitution was primarily written to protect property rights and freedom of commerce, which many of the founders found to be of paramount importance. Many of them wanted only white, male property owners to have the right to vote but eventually relented on this point. Fortunately class distinctions faded somewhat during and after the revolution although there was a resurgence in classes during the 19th century which directly lead to the 17th amendment (federal income tax) to make the distribution of wealth more equable.

    Back to the point, 1st-class passengers (and some business class ones) already get expedited check-ins and security clearance. This is something to allow the hoi palloi to experience as well, not just the rich.

  • January 28, 2008

    2:05 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Jack_Ryan writes:

    What a bunch of wingebags, do you really think the government doesn't know all they really need to know about you? Heck your local phone and cell provider company alone knows and stores more about you than you can imagine.

    I love how you all rile on about just how screwed up the federal government is, yet at the same time they're watching your every move and are coming to get you. You can't have it both ways.

    If you don't want to use the service, DON'T SIGN UP!!! It's that simple.

  • January 28, 2008

    2:40 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    theguy writes:

    Sigh. Been using the CLEAR pass for two years, flying in and out of Orlando which during the winter is horrendous. They do a check of all databases and make sure you're actually trustworthy.
    I fly every week. Glad I have it. Not upper class, yet, working to get there though.
    Do read a LOT of jealousy here though. Bad childhoods I would guess.

  • January 28, 2008

    2:54 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jaybyrd writes:

    50,000-member goal in Denver area? The more people that sign up, the slower it will become for all CLEAR card carriers, and their wait time will therefore not decrease significantly. It is also true that many airports, such as Las Vegas, Mexico, and all Euro destinations...have yet to sign up, (check their website), which means for many travelers the pass will only be good on the DIA outbounds. As a frequent flier(35-40,000 miles annually is probably frequent, around 20 trips a year), I rarely have a long wait at DIA, arguably one of the quickest that I have experienced. Also, you will still have to wait for the train to take you to your plane. Factor all that in, and it doesn't seem feasible to me to pay up. But then again, the more that sign up, the fewer that will go through the old system, which will shorten those lines for us. Yuk, Yuk! Lousy article and analysis, RMN.

  • January 28, 2008

    3:15 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    JustSayin writes:

    Gosh guys, you're right. It's all ready over and big brother has won, why worry about what they might do when they already have to power to do it.

    theguy - it's not about jealousy or money (I'm doing fine, too), it's about bending over and spreading 'em for the man. Some of us object to doing so willingly.

    Did you at least get a polyp check when you got your I.D.?

  • January 28, 2008

    3:32 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    joggle writes:

    "it's not about jealousy or money (I'm doing fine, too), it's about bending over and spreading 'em for the man. Some of us object to doing so willingly."

    If you want to fly you have to do this anyway. They can do a pat-down on anyone they want and if you refuse you're simply not going to fly.

    This is not an intensive background check which is what you (JustSayin) seem to be making it out to be. For one of those, try getting a job as an engineer for the Feds. Big, big difference.

  • January 28, 2008

    3:48 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Jack_Ryan writes:

    "Some of us object to doing so willingly"

    Object all you want, this is an elective service, no one's forcing you to bend over and spread anything, the visual there really scares me. Again, if you don't want to go through the background check then DON'T sign up.

    The "MAN" isn't forcing you to do anything. Nor does the "MAN" really give a damn about what you do or don't do. (Well except for paying taxes, ask Al Capone) But seriously, the "MAN" can't be the keystone cops you all constantly bitch about when something goes wrong, and at the same time this diabolical "Dr. Evil" organization that's watching your every move...

  • January 28, 2008

    4:20 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Grim_Reefer writes:

    We should all just fly naked. it's a simple solution.

  • January 28, 2008

    9:39 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    joggle writes:

    Grim_Reefer: No, we REALLY don't want that. Not everyone is a gorgeous babe...

  • January 29, 2008

    7:34 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    theguy writes:

    there's only been 3 flights, that originated in the USA, that were "nudist." Run by an alternative lifestyle travel agency, they chartered 767s each time. This was before 2001 and they have stopped putting those charters together.

    They were fun.

    You guys worried about "spreading them for the man," are they same funny "Ronulans" for Ron Paul. Everything's a conspiracy and everyone's working to invade your privacy. Hey, if you have nothing in your background that's questionable or actionable, NOBODY CARES.

    Experience with the CLEAR card at Baltimore and Orlando? Awesome, better than frequent flyer status, although I have that too. They escort you to the front of the line for x-ray, help you load up your tray, and you're through. If DIA puts it together half as well as Baltimore it will be another good investment continuing to further payoff.

    So, please, don't sign up, don't get the "polyp check." Works for me.